As the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues, Robert finally arrived at the Pokémon Center on the outskirts of the suburban town. Unlike the modern, well-equipped centers in the cities, this one had a rustic charm, consisting of several wooden cottages nestled among the trees.
A Familiar Face at the Counter
As soon as Robert stepped inside, a familiar and comforting voice greeted him from behind the counter.
"Welcome!"
He looked up and saw Nurse Joy standing there, her warm smile as inviting as ever.
"Good evening, Nurse Joy," Robert greeted politely, stepping forward.
"Good evening! How may I assist you?" she asked cheerfully.
Robert placed two Poké Balls and his Pokédex on the counter. "I'd like to book a room for the night, and please heal my Pokémon as well. They've had a tough day of training."
Nurse Joy nodded, taking the Poké Balls and scanning the Pokédex. "Understood! I'll get them all healed up right away. It should take about half an hour."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy," Robert said with a grateful smile.
"Would you like some dinner while you wait?" she asked.
Robert shook his head. "No, thanks. I ate on my way here. I'll just rest while I wait."
"Alright, your room key is ready. Here you go," she said, handing him a small key. "Your Pokémon will be returned to you shortly."
Robert accepted the key and nodded before heading toward the phone booths in the lobby.
A Call to Uncle Fu
He had meant to call Uncle Fu back in Cerulean City, but his training with Charmeleon had made him forget. He was sure that by now, the old butler must be worried sick.
As soon as he dialed the number, the phone barely rang twice before an anxious voice answered.
"Young Master Robert? Is that you?"
The screen lit up, and an elderly man in a butler's uniform appeared, his forehead creased with worry.
"Uncle Fu, it's me!" Robert said, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry, I lost track of time while training Charmeleon."
"Hmph! Two whole days without calling! If you hadn't reached out soon, I was going to send someone to find you!" the old man scolded, his voice a mix of worry and relief.
Robert scratched his head, laughing awkwardly. "I know, I know. My bad. I called you as soon as I arrived at the Pokémon Center."
Uncle Fu sighed but smiled slightly. "As long as you're safe. But Young Master, please, next time, call me the moment you reach a new city. If anything happens to you, how will I explain it to the master and the others?"
"Alright, alright, I promise," Robert reassured him.
They chatted for a bit about home, his journey, and his latest accomplishments before finally hanging up.
Professor Oak's Call
Just as Robert was about to retrieve his Pokémon, Nurse Joy called out to him.
"Mr. Robert, please wait a moment. You have a call."
"A call? Uncle Fu again?" he wondered aloud before shaking his head. "No, it shouldn't be him. Could it be...?"
A name popped into his mind.
"Alright, thank you, Nurse Joy," Robert said before walking back to the phone booths.
Sure enough, when he answered, a familiar figure appeared on the screen—Professor Oak.
"Robert! Long time no see! How have you been?" The old professor's voice was as lively as ever.
"Professor Oak! Good evening!" Robert greeted with a smile. "I've been doing well. I've even caught a few new Pokémon."
"Is that so? Have you trained them well?"
Before Robert could reply, Pichu—who had been resting on the table beside him—perked up, leaping onto his shoulder. The tiny Electric-type tilted its head curiously at the screen.
"Pichu!"
Professor Oak chuckled. "Ah, so this is your Pichu! You can tell at a glance that it's been well taken care of. A fine Pokémon, indeed."
Robert grinned. "Thanks, Professor! But Pichu isn't the only new member of my team. I also caught a shiny Kakuna and a Squirtle. Kakuna evolved into a Beedrill!"
Professor Oak's eyes widened in surprise. "A shiny Beedrill? That's incredible! You must be quite lucky!"
"Yeah, and Beedrill has become my team's trump card. Even Charmeleon and Pidgeot might struggle to beat it."
Oak's expression grew excited. "Fascinating! If you ever get the chance, bring it by the lab. I'd love to study it!"
"Sure, Professor. I'd be happy to."
"Speaking of which," Oak said, clearing his throat, "I actually called because of your request. The Pokémon League has reviewed your conditions, and I have good news."
Robert leaned forward. "You mean…?"
"Yes," Oak confirmed with a nod. "Your first request—to increase the number of Pokémon a trainer can carry—has been approved."
Robert's eyes widened in shock. "Really?!"
"That's right," the professor said with a satisfied smile. "I had a long discussion with President Damalan, and after some negotiation, they agreed. Your Pokédex has already been updated. You can now carry seven Pokémon instead of six."
Robert quickly pulled out his Pokédex and turned it on. A notification popped up, confirming that his carrying capacity had increased to seven Pokémon. His heart raced with excitement.
"This is amazing!"
"I thought you'd be pleased," Oak chuckled. "Having an extra slot will certainly give you an advantage in battle."
"Thank you, Professor Oak! This means a lot to me!"
"Don't mention it, Robert," Oak said kindly. "Just remember, this privilege comes with responsibility. Use it wisely."
"I will, Professor!" Robert promised.
A Night of Rest
After the call ended, Robert retrieved his fully healed Pokémon from Nurse Joy. He released them one by one, letting them stretch and enjoy the fresh air before heading to bed.
Pichu played happily with Squirtle, while Charmeleon rested with its eyes half-closed. Beedrill, now larger and more intimidating than ever, hovered nearby, its wings buzzing softly.
Robert smiled as he watched them. His journey was progressing well, and with an extra Pokémon slot, he had even more opportunities ahead.
Yawning, he stretched his arms. "Alright, guys, let's get some rest. Tomorrow's another big day."
As he settled into his room, he thought about what lay ahead. He had new Pokémon, new opportunities, and now, even an upgraded Pokédex.
The adventure was just getting started.
End of Chapter 53.
More episodes are available on patreon
https://www.patreon.com/Atoki_29